Art and new media are thoroughly interwoven here. The media museum is the first museum designed to be completely interactive. It focuses on works from the new genre of interactive media art, and illustrates and investigates their impact. Installations and environments employ different strategies to draw the visitor in and use new technologies in a wide range of creative ways.

Margraves once held sway in the fan-shaped city of Karlsruhe, which today positively buzzes with life. The radial layout is just one aspect of what makes this sunny Badensian city so attractive. Karlsruhe also has a mild climate, top restaurants and a great atmosphere – what's more, few other cities are set in such beautiful countryside. It's just a short hop to the Alsace and Black Forest, and the Palatinate Forest and Vosges mountains are within easy reach – everything is right on your doorstep in Karlsruhe.

When Karl Wilhelm of Baden-Durlach laid the foundation stone for the palace in 1715, he also marked the birth of the city. At his behest the palace was built amid previously unspoilt countryside in the Hardt forest, just like Louis XIV had done with Versailles. The streets and avenues of Karlsruhe radiate out from the palace – a symbol of power and perfection. The palace served as a residence for the Margraves and Grand Dukes of Baden until 1918. Today it houses the Baden State Museum and part of the Federal Constitutional Court.

Designed by Badensian architect and neo-classical town planner Friedrich Weinbrenner in around 1800, Karlsruhe's market square in the heart of the city centre is the focal point of an architectural ensemble that was meticulously planned down to the smallest detail. Surprise and a shake of the head are typical reactions to the city's most famous landmark, which appears to have just been picked up and placed there. Pointed, angular and uncompromising, it brings a touch of Egyptian flair to the city. The red sandstone pyramid is one of history's most unusual gravestones. It covers the tomb from 1807 built for the city's founder Margrave Karl Wilhelm.

This is a place that mediates between the past, present and future, preserving the legacy of several centuries while remaining current through special exhibitions. Opened in 1846, the Karlsruhe State Art Gallery occupies three historical buildings on the edge of the Botanical Gardens.

Opening times:

Tuesday-Sunday & public holidays 10am-6pm